Missing Medevac Helicpoter

[James Richardson]

Last evening, their BK left Soldotna, Alaska (their base) and went to 
Cordova and picked up a patient and began the trip to Anchorage about 
150 air miles.  They Sat-Phoned at approx 17:30 that their ETA was 27 
minutes and they were nearing the Ester Islands.  They haven't been 
heard from since.  The weather turned worse than expected; when fixed 
wing flew over they heard nothing, and no radio response; the Coast 
Guard PaveHawk was launched -- but had to abort due to the bad 
weather.

Air search has been limited today to C-130's, helos are out of the 
equation for the time being.  A Coast Guard Cutter and a few 
Commercial Boats (with AK Troopers onboard) are on the water, but 
visibility is nil with the snow.

We don't know the names of those onboard, but I'm just wondering 
which friends I may have lost.  Your thoughts and prayers are 
appreciated.  I'll keep you posted...

Yours,
Lou Amundson, MICP, FP-C
Flight Paramedic - Aeromed